Management Information Systems and Services at University of Advancing Technology

A $27,000 debt load for an associate's degree is substantial, particularly when peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $46,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates are looking at more than half their annual salary in student loans—manageable compared to truly concerning programs, but still a significant financial burden for a two-year credential. The school serves a predominantly lower-income population (58% receive Pell grants), which makes the debt figure especially important to consider given limited family resources to help with repayment.

The earnings estimate draws from just 11 similar programs nationwide, and the debt from only six comparable schools, so there's considerable uncertainty about what University of Advancing Technology graduates specifically experience. What we can say is that MIS associate's degrees occupy an interesting middle ground—you're entering a tech field that values skills and certifications alongside degrees, but you're not investing four years to do it. For students who can leverage this credential into IT support, database administration, or junior analyst roles and continue learning on the job, the math could work.

The key question is whether this specific school's tech focus and industry connections justify the estimated debt when you could potentially enter similar roles through community college programs at lower cost, or whether the specialization is worth the premium. Given the data limitations, speaking directly with recent graduates about their job placements would be essential before committing.